Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt Brushless Jigsaw Review
Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt Brushless Jigsaw Review
36V MultiVolt Brushless Jigsaw
Manufacturer: Metabo HPT
Model number: CJ36DAQ4M
Price: $229.00
Power source: 36V Lithium-Ion Batteries
Weight: 5.5 Lbs.
Model CJ36DAQ4 Specifications
- Weight: 5.5 Lbs. Bare Tool
- Strokes Per Minute: 800-3,500 (No Load)
- Stroke Length: 1 1/32″
- Maximum Cutting Angle: 45° Left or Right
- Minimum Cutting Radius: 1″
- Max Wood Cutting Capacity: 6 5/16″
- Max Metal Cutting Capacity: 13/32″
- Blade Type: T-Shank
- Orbital Adjustment: 4 Stage
- Warranty: 5 Year Professional
- LED Worklight
- Dust Blower
Standout Features of the MultiVolt Jigsaw
Excellent Ergonomics
A comfortable tool is one that you are going to reach for again and again. Metabo HPT was able to pack all of the features and performance of the MultiVolt jigsaw into a compact and ergonomic package. Although it is primarily a top handle design, the saw can be held comfortably upside down thanks to the slim tube body and angled battery attachment housing.
Metabo HPT covered all of the grip surfaces of the saw in a textured black overmold. The texturing provides excellent traction. Molded finger indents also allow for a high and forward grip which dramatically helps with control. All of the control switched are in easy to reach locations.
Speed Adjustments and Controls
With a total of 5 dedicated settings, the user can easily dial in the MultiVolt jigsaw for any specific cutting task. The additional “Auto” mode starts the tool at a slower rate of 1,400 SPM. This slower mode allows for easier starting of cuts to match cut lines. The jigsaw will then ramp up to the maximum 3,500 SPM to give the best cutting results. Metabo HPT includes their Constant Speed Control as well, which maintains constant plunger strokes. All of this makes for a very smooth cutting saw.
Metabo HPT’s Lock-On switch allows users to make the best use of all the speed adjustment settings. The lock-on switch allows the user to stay focused on making an accurate cut without worrying about fatigue. The combination of lock-on switch and auto-adjusting speed setting is vastly superior to a traditional variable speed trigger.
MultiVolt Power Source Options
The Metabo HPT jigsaw is compatible with all of their 36V MultiVolt battery packs. These batteries have proven to be rugged and reliable for me. In the jigsaw, I find that the smaller 2.5 Ah is the best all-around option because it keeps the tool’s weight down and improves the balance.
Additionally, the MultiVolt system allows the use of the Metabo HPT AC Adapter system. This adapter gives users the option to switch to corded power when more convenient to do so. Check out any of our previous Metabo HPT reviews for more information on the MultiVolt system and adapters.
Bevel Adjustment
The MultiVolt jigsaw does not have a tool-free bevel adjustment system. However, the tooled system that it features is easy to use and very solid. A single Allen key screw is all that the user needs to loosen to change the angle. The shoe plate features a camming mechanism to adjust the angle. Slide the plate backward and then rotate right or left up to 45°. The factory marked degree indicators are easy to read on either side.
Are you worried about not having a wrench on hand? Never fear, MHPT included an Allen wrench with the tool. The base plate has an onboard storage slot for the wrench which keeps it locked down and secure.
MultiVolt Power and Performance
I mentioned before that this saw is powerful, and that is a bit of an understatement. During use, the MHPT jigsaw is nothing short of beastly. I tested it in a large variety of wood types and found that it quickly chewed through all of them. My primary use for this saw is making cuts in plywood and other sheet goods. Therefore I made the majority of my cuts in 3/4″ plywood. To gauge the tool’s power, I set the bevel to 45° and made linear cuts through 3/4″ CDX plywood. During this test, the saw felt as though I was cutting a piece of cardboard. It blasted through the sheet with little blade deflection. The Metabo HPT Model CJ36DAQ4 is an extremely powerful saw.
Metabo HPT Jigsaw Anti-Vibration
With the amount of power that this saw has in such a compact and lightweight package, it doesn’t make sense how little felt vibration there is. MHPT was able to dampen the felt vibration to allow for a very comfortable and user-friendly experience. Because it is so smooth, controlling the MultiVolt jigsaw on even the tightest radiuses is effortless. To capture a visual representation of this, I cut a water bottle in half and placed it on a plywood sheet. Then I locked the saw on the fastest speed with no blade inserted and let it walk across the plywood. The water only showed surface ripples and didn’t splash or spill. To me, that is an impressive example of the jigsaw’s balance and nearly vibration-free performance.
Room for Improvement
Blade Change
Blade change is pretty straight-forward with the MultiVolt saw. There is a large spring-loaded release lever on the front of the tool that is easy to grab. However, the blade does not auto-eject. While not a critical function, it would be a nice feature that I would like to see on this saw.
Dust Management
In the kit, Metabo HPT included a clear plastic splinter guard and chip cover as well as a powerful dust blower. The dust blower does an excellent job of keeping the work surface clear, but it is not adjustable. Additionally, there is no dust collection attachment included with the saw. Metabo HPT does offer an attachment (Part #370492), but in my opinion, Metabo HPT should include it with the saw from the factory. Dust management is an important safety concern for many pros, and having to track down additional pieces after spending money on a new tool is an unnecessary headache. Moreover, I would like to see the dust blower adjustable to work better with an extractor attached. This tool’s competitors offer such a blower/extractor feature.
Pricing and Availability
Currently, the MultiVolt jigsaw is available from retailers for around $229.00 as a bare tool. At this price, I find the Metabo HPT offering to be good overall value. The bare tool price is in the middle of the range for similar saws in this class. However, the features, power, and compact size make this an excellent option and good value.
Follow the Buy it Now link below to purchase this tool from our friends at Acme Tools.
Overall Impressions of the Metabo HPT 36V Jigsaw
I have had the opportunity to review several offerings from the Metabo HPT MultiVolt lineup. Each time I get my hands on one of their tools, I find myself saying “Wow this thing is really powerful and smooth”. The 36V MultiVolt jigsaw is just another perfect example of that kind of user impression. This saw is powerful and smooth while still maintaining a compact overall size and lightweight. It offers flexible power options and excellent controls and ergonomics. As a 36V MultiVolt user, this tool is a no brainer. However, I was impressed enough by its performance to say to anyone in the market for a new jigsaw, they would be doing themselves a disservice not to check out this tool. I am so impressed with this tool that I would make that recommendation without regard for their existing battery platform(s).
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About the author
Wes Bartosik
Wes Bartosik is a Connecticut native with strong family ties to the construction world. Wes’ father and grandfather both were builders and developers and taught Wes the values of doing things right from an early age and getting hands on experience with every facet of the construction industry. Wes apprenticed with a carpenter throughout high school and would later attend Central Connecticut State University earning a bachelor’s degree in construction management all while working for a large excavation contractor throughout. Wes would go on to work for a local heavy-highway construction company and gain further experience with all the skilled trades associated with large civil engineering and utility projects. Though working as a manager now, Wes’ true passion is working in the field alongside the tradesman and laborers on site. Wes has been involved in community based service projects throughout his life as well as emergency services. In his spare time he takes on serious DIY projects for himself, friends and family. He is a firm believer that with a quality tool in your hands and some grit, you can accomplish anything.
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I love the metabo hpt multivolt tools I have so far. They can be kind of expensive but they do have deals. The saw and sawzall are top notch. Cordless nail guns are good too.
Is this tool discontinued now? I can’t find it anywhere.
It was, I just spoke to Metabo HPT and they said due to high demand it is coming back sometime in the Spring. Thanks!